Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Festive Q&As with Julie Shackman, Holly and Emma Davies!

I trained as a journalist but writing romance has always been a dream of mine. When I’ve not got my head in a book or drafting one, I write verses and captions for greetings card companies. Writing at home seems to be incredibly difficult for me – I usually require tea, music and noise!

My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" is out now. “Rock My World” was my debut romcom and I'm currently polishing my third romcom, which features a well-known historical figure...!

What sits on top of your Christmas tree?

A huge, sparkling star always sits on top of our tree and our two sons normally place it on there, once the tree is all decorated.

Favourite Christmas song?

There’s a few that I like but the one that always gets me is “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake. It reminds me of all the wonderful Christmas’s I had with my family when I was little.

Favourite Christmas movie?

“A Christmas Carole” with the wonderful Alistair Sim always makes me cry and I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it – it’s great and so festive.

Favourite festive foodie treat?

I just love turkey with all the trimmings – and a tasty trifle afterwards.

The best part of Christmas is…

Seeing the excitement on our two sons faces on Christmas Eve.

The worst part of Christmas is…

When it’s all over! I just love Christmas and always have done.

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?

My best present was when my Husband proposed to me at midnight on Christmas Eve 1997 and I had absolutely no idea he was going to!

My worst present was some cheap jazz album, which didn’t have the official artists on it, but just a bunch of copy-cats. It was really cheaply produced and it showed!

When do you do your Christmas shopping?

I usually start in September (!) and try to get stocking fillers and bargains first. I like to feel that I’m organised, although it doesn’t always work out that way.

Any Christmas Day traditions?

A glass of sparkling wine or Bucks Fizz and croissants, once we’ve opened our presents.

Favourite Christmas book?

I don’t have a particular favourite – anything to do with Christmas and I’m there!

Favourite Christmassy book cover?

Again, as long as it’s white, sparkly and festive, I’m in!

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?

There are too many to mention – my TBR pile is breeding as we speak!

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?

I think as long as you believe in the magic of Christmas, then Santa does exist.

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?

With my family at home; a sprinkling of snow on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day; lots of fairly lights and delicious food. Oh and plenty of great Christmas books and movies!

Thanks for such great Questions Sophie! XX

My name’s Holly, I am 25 years old and a UK book blogger/reviewer, Library Assistant, shoe hoarder and professional shopper...Ok, I made that last one up. I live in the Midlands with my three Miniature Dachshunds and a lot of books. I have been blogging for a year now and I love it (easily as much as chocolate). Chick-lit is my favourite genre but I will happily read anything, as long as it has words I’m happy...

What sits on top of your Christmas tree?

A pink, glittery, sparkly, fairy, of course! ;)

Favourite Christmas song?

Hmm. This is a toughie because I love them all. I’m going to opt for some old-school cheese and say I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by Wizard. I do also like The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Gaudete by Steeleye Span is a beautiful song and you can’t beat Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens. Yes, I am cheesy.

Favourite Christmas movie?

This is tricky too. I’m AM going to choose just one this time, though, I’ll say Home Alone. Love, love, LOVE that film.

Favourite festive foodie treat?

Those tins of chocolates that you can’t seem to buy any other time of year. Give me a big tin of Celebrations and I’m happy. Also, Cheese Footballs. Why can you only buy them at Christmas!?

The best part of Christmas is…

The worst part of Christmas is…

The utter devastation when it’s all over. Sob.

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?

Hmm. I usually love all of my presents, no matter what they are. What can I say, I just like presents… My best presents probably stem back to childhood and my favourites included a dolls house, Barbie car and horse trailer, Barney the Dinosaur (a toy obviously, not the real thing…) and a Cabbage Patch Doll. Now if I pick up a book shaped parcel I’m usually happy…

When do you do your Christmas shopping?

I try and spread my Christmas shopping out as much as I can. I’m not one of those people who start it on December 26th, but I usually start from October onwards and can be doing it right up until the 24th…

Any Christmas Day traditions?

Christmas Day usually involves waking up at some ridiculously early hour (something which I haven’t grown out of…) opening presents in PJs before getting all dressed up in a ’Christmas Dress’ and spending the day with family. Perfect!

Favourite Christmas book?

Now I’m struggling, A few of my favourites are Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews, Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris, Married by Christmas by Scarlett Bailey, The Gift by Cecelia Ahern, I Heart Christmas by Lindsey Kelk, A Very Coco Christmas by Robert Bryndza, Christmas at Carrington’s by Alexandra Brown, Creepy Christmas by Jaimie Admans and Secret Santa by Scarlett Bailey...Ok I’ll shut up now.

Favourite Christmassy book cover?

Two of my favourites from last year were Cold Feet at Christmas by Debbie Johnson and Humbugs and Heartstrings by Catherine Ferguson. They both look particularly pretty sat on my Kindle and were both great, Christmassy reads, too!

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?

There are stacks of Christmas releases from last year that I sadly didn’t get round to. It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Judy Astley, Coming Home for Christmas by Jenny Hale, Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge and Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson.

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?

What do you mean? He IS real. He left me lots of books in my stocking last year. He always get it right…

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?

Pretty much as I usually spend it; wearing a glitzy dress, surrounded by my family, dogs, lots of chocolate and lots of books. Oh, and with a bit of Shakin’ Stevens blaring out in the background…

What sits on top of your Christmas tree?

It’s a very tasteful glittery gold star which, as we always buy a tree which is far too tall, often doesn’t make it there at all! One year we had a photo of David Tennant draped in fairy lights which the kids found. We all agreed he was rather gorgeous and so he stayed.

Favourite Christmas song?

I need more than one, sorry … Nat King Cole, the Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting), Fairy Tale of new York, the Pogues & Kirsty MacColl, and Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade

Favourite Christmas movie?

Has to be Miracle of 34th Street, although Home Alone and Home Alone 2 comes a close second and third.

Favourite festive foodie treat?

The Cheese sables I make very year because I only ever make them at Christmas. They’re a cheese biscuit topped with crushed salted peanuts and are unbelievably good!

The best part of Christmas is…

The delicious anticipation and build up – I love it. From dressing the tree to buying presents to seeing all the houses strung with lights. I’m a big kid really and get just as excited.

The worst part of Christmas is…

The wrapping! With three children there is always loads to do, and although I start off with good intentions by the end I’m always desperate to get finished.

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?

My best would have to be my kindle which I got quite a few years ago now, but it opened up a whole new world for me. I discovered a whole host of amazing authors which in turn led me to wonders of self-publishing, and the rest as they say is history. As far as my worst present goes I don’t think I’ve had it yet!

When do you do your Christmas shopping?

I try to start in November as our youngest daughter has her birthday in the middle of the month so it tends to focus the mind. I’m an online shopper, but always try to have one or two forays into the High Street, just to soak up the atmosphere.

Any Christmas Day traditions?

Loads, it’s one of my favourite things. In fact the whole day is a series of traditions, some which started off as my family traditions and some which were my husbands. Now we have our own family of course we’ve added to them and changed a few so that they are now very firmly our own.

Favourite Christmas book?

It’s not really marketed as a Christmas book as such although much of the action does take place then, but nearly every year I read The Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher. It’s just such a lovely comforting read.

Favourite Christmassy book cover?

Last year I think it had to go to The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?

That’s such a difficult one, but I think it may well be Christmas on Primrose Hill by Karen swan. I love her books and have really enjoyed all her others set at this time of year.

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?

Sorry, what do you mean is isn’t real? Have you never watched A Miracle of 34th Street? (I believe!)

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?

At home, with just the family, same as always. I hate being away at Christmas.